Solano area CHP officials urge drivers to use proactive safety measures this holiday

Wearing a seat belt doesn't make you invincible, but it does increase your chances of surviving a crash.

That's the main message that local California Highway Patrol spokeswoman Diana McDermott says she wants people to get with the approach of New Year's Eve -- one of the highest fatal crash days of the year.

The other part is that you are responsible for your own safety.

McDermott said she feels a sense of urgency after deadly Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday weekends statewide. The CHP mounts maximum enforcement efforts on those holidays as well as Memorial Day, Independence Day and Labor Day weekends, and they keep track of crashes and whether victims were wearing seat belts and if they were driving under the influence.

"There's a range of reasons, but we find that not wearing seat belts, driving under the influence and excessive speed are the main reasons for fatal crashes over the holidays," she said.

Though there were no fatal crashes in Solano County over Christmas, there was at least one over Thanksgiving, she said. Statewide this year, there were 91 fatal crashes over the Memorial Day and July 4th weekends; which is a higher number than usual, McDermott said.

"There were five fatal collisions within CHP jurisdiction statewide during this Christmas Holiday Reporting Period -- 6 p.m. Dec. 24, through midnight Dec. 25 -- two of which didn't involve a pedestrian or a motorcycle" she said. "In both of those collisions, the occupant was unrestrained."

During the Thanksgiving Holiday Reporting Period -- also statewide -- in 15 of the 17 fatal crashes, the occupants were unrestrained, she said.

"You have to make sure you're safe before you even start the car," McDermott said. "You have to be crazy not to. People have to go back to the fundamentals; the basic safety factors. I wanted to reemphasize these facts in advance of New Years Eve. I want people to be interested, to care about their loved ones. Ask them if they remembered to buckle up."

Though only a tightly woven band of cloth, a seat belt is an extremely important piece of equipment that secures your body within a vehicle, she said. It continues to save lives and prevent even more injuries every year, she said. But, while a safety belt can help you survive a crash, survival is not guaranteed, she said.

"Excessive speed, being broadsided, and loose obstacles that become projectiles upon impact are some other circumstances that are extremely dangerous, (and should be avoided,) she said. "But wearing your seat belt is basic. It should be an action that occurs before you even start the car."

Not wearing your seat belt is not just flouting the law, it's also tempting fate, McDermott said.

"As we approach the New Year, give your life some serious consideration," she said. "If you're wearing your seat belt, be proud, and ensure others are as well. If you're not wearing your seat belt, rethink it. Although it's a California law, it's your life. Take responsibility for your safety."

Contact staff writer Rachel Raskin-Zrihen at (707) 553-6824 or rzrihen@timesheraldonline.com. Follow her on Twitter at Rachelvth.